Soccer News and Scores

Markus Babbel had to settle for point on his home debut as Hoffenheim coach, with Mohamed Zidan's equaliser earning Mainz a draw in tonight's Bundesliga match at the Rhein-Neckar Arena.

Mainz defender Nikolce Noveski gave the hosts the lead with a ninth-minute own goal, but Zidan levelled 20 minutes later to earn Thomas Tuchel's side their third consecutive 1-1 draw.

The result lifted Hoffenheim above Hamburg and into the top 10, while Mainz also climbed a position to replace Cologne in 12th spot.

Hoffenheim took the lead in the ninth minute when Boris Vukcevic's cross was put into his own goal by Noveski, who also put through his own net in his side's 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.

Srdjan Lakic missed a good chance to make it two just over five minutes later, shooting wide from a tight angle.

Zidan then extended his record of having scored in every game since returning to Mainz this winter to bring Mainz level in the 29th minute.

Radoslav Zabavnik sent in a cross from the left which was met by the Egyptian, who scored from close range.

Babbel sent Ryan Babel on after an hour and, within seconds of taking to the field, he sent a shot wide of the post.

Hoffenheim posed a greater threat in the final 20 minutes, but they were unable to break down a Mainz side who seemed happy to sit back and settle for another point which took them six points clear of the relegation zone.

Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty has been found dead at his home. He was 54.

The club said Doughty was found in the gym at his Lincolnshire house.

"It is with enormous sadness that Nottingham Forest announce the death of the club's owner Nigel Doughty," a statement read. "Mr Doughty, who was 54, was found dead earlier today in his gym at his home in Skillington, Lincolnshire.

"The club would like to appeal for the privacy of Mr Doughty's family to be observed at this sad time.

"The club will be making no further comment."

Lifelong Forest fan Doughty stepped down as chairman in October after a decade in the job following the sacking of former England manager Steve McClaren.

He was replaced in the role by former Forest player and manager Frank Clark.

Doughty, who saved the Reds from administration when he bought the club for ?11 million in 1999, invested almost ?100 million of his personal fortune in the club.

As a Forest fan, his dream was to guide the club back into the Premier League. During his ten years at the City Ground, the club won promotion back to the Championship in 2008, three years after their relegation.

Under manager Billy Davies, the Reds reached the play-offs in each of the last two seasons.

Forest forward Matt Derbyshire said on Twitter: "I can't believe the sad news, my thoughts go out to his family."

Forward Garath McCleary praised Doughty for the work he did. "He has done so much for Forest, which was not always best appreciated," he said. "My thoughts are with his family."

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "I am shocked and saddened to hear of Nigel Doughty's death. I was with him only a week ago and he was full of life, enthusiasm and vigour.

"He was a kind, generous man with a deep desire to make the world a better place. My heart goes out to his wife Lucy and his children. We mourn his death deeply and will sorely miss him."

Doughty had led a Small Business Taskforce that made recommendations to Labour late last year which are to be considered as part of the party's policy-making process.

West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has admitted a Football Association charge of "using abusive and/or insulting words" after a homophobic remark on Twitter.

The 19-year-old, who moved to Upton Park from Manchester United at the end of January, is reported to have made the comment in response to another Twitter user.

The FA wrote to Morrison last week for his observations on the matter and formally charged him on Wednesday.

Today the FA said in a statement: "West Ham United's Ravel Morrison has admitted a charge under FA rule E3 of using abusive and/or insulting words including a reference to a person's sexual orientation in relation to Twitter comments.

"Morrison has requested a non-personal hearing."

The FA will now determine the punishment for the offence without Morrison appearing in person.

Morrison was also involved in various off-field controversies while at Old Trafford.

Manchester United allowed the teenager to leave despite him being rated as one of the finest prospects to come out of the club in recent years.

West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has admitted a Football Association charge of "using abusive and/or insulting words" after a homophobic remark on Twitter.

The 19-year-old, who moved to Upton Park from Manchester United at the end of January, is reported to have made the comment in response to another Twitter user.

The FA wrote to Morrison last week for his observations on the matter and formally charged him on Wednesday.

Today the FA said in a statement: "West Ham United's Ravel Morrison has admitted a charge under FA rule E3 of using abusive and/or insulting words including a reference to a person's sexual orientation in relation to Twitter comments.

"Morrison has requested a non-personal hearing."

The FA will now determine the punishment for the offence without Morrison appearing in person.

Morrison was also involved in various off-field controversies while at Old Trafford.

Manchester United allowed the teenager to leave despite him being rated as one of the finest prospects to come out of the club in recent years.

Scott Brown found the target for the third game in a row as Celtic overcame a battling Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2-0 to reach the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup, while Motherwell crushed Morton and Hibernian edged out Kilmarnock.

Georgios Samaras handed Celtic a first-half lead and they had to withstand some pressure from Caley before Brown converted from the spot on 67 minutes to seal their passage.

Both sides took time to come to terms with the windy conditions but the pendulum swung the visitors' way when Greece striker Samaras fired high past Jonny Tuffey in the 33rd minute to give them the interval lead.

In the 67th minute, after Caley defender David Proctor had conceded a penalty for a foul on Gary Hooper, Celtic skipper Brown slotted in the spot-kick to take the holders into Monday's draw at Hampden Park.

The result extended the Hoops' domestic winning run to 15 games and, being one point clear of Rangers at the top of the SPL and in the final of the Scottish Communities League Cup final, kept them on course for the domestic treble.

Motherwell booked their place in the last eight with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Morton at Fir Park.

The home stunned their Scottish First Division opponents as they raced into a 5-0 half-time advantage. Tom Hateley netted directly from a corner before Jamie Murphy, Shaun Hutchinson, Henrik Ojamaa and Nicky Law all netted for the hosts as the tie was all but decided before the interval.

Murphy then blasted home his second midway through the second half to add to Morton's woes and complete a one-sided scoreline.

A first-half Eoin Doyle strike was enough to earn a resolute Hibernian side a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock at Easter Road.

Aberdeen came from behind to earn a replay against Queen of the South.

Scott McLaughlin netted against the run of play after 54 minutes to give the Doonhamers hope of pulling off a shock against their top flight rivals, who have fallen victims to a number of cup upsets in recent seasons. However Scott Vernon scrambled the ball home after 67 minutes following a long Kari Arnason throw-in to keep alive the Dons' hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

Ross County captain Richard Brittain missed a last-minute penalty as the First Division side had to settle for a replay against St Mirren.

Brittain had put his side ahead from the spot five minutes before half-time, only for the effort to be cancelled out within three minutes by a headed goal from St Mirren striker Steven Thompson.

Brittain had a golden opportunity to score a stoppage-time winner after Mark Corcoran was brought down by Lee Mair, but this time he sent his penalty sailing well over the bar.

Sergio Aguero shrugged off recent signs of tiredness to turn in a man-of-the-match display as Manchester City defeated Fulham to open up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Aguero drove home his 19th goal of the season from the penalty spot, then set up strike partner Edin Dzeko with some unselfish work after half-time.

Between them, the pair have scored 35 times this season, making a mockery of recent assertions that the pair have difficulty operating in tandem.

And with Chris Baird turning Adam Johnson's cross into his own net, City were not hindered by the wintry conditions that even left the fans to chant for the end long before the five minutes' injury-time had been completed.

The old cliche of there being no easy games in the Premier League could have been made for a day like this.

In theory, 30 points clear of their visitors and boasting a 100% record on home soil this term, it should have been a straightforward assignment.

Yet significant questions were asked of City before kick-off.

In sub-zero temperatures and with snow getting increasingly heavy, the Blues were without skipper Vincent Kompany due to a knee injury, on a run of just three wins from their last nine games, and facing a team who had lost on just one of their eight visits to this stadium and battled back to draw at Craven Cottage in September despite being two goals down.

The evidence of the opening stages suggested it was going to be one of those difficult evenings, with Fulham intent on keeping their defences tight and relying on the predatory instincts of Clint Dempsey.

City needed a helping hand, and referee Mike Dean provided it.

Fooled completely by Johnson initiating contact with Baird inside the box, Dean pointed to the spot when a yellow card for the City man could easily have been the correct decision.

Aguero, five matches without a goal - his worst run since joining City - converted to the corner despite the returning Mark Schwarzer going the right way.

Fate had not finished for City.

For when Aguero flicked Aleksandar Kolarov's cross into the path of Johnson, Baird got in the way as the winger turned it back towards the danger area, giving Schwarzer no chance of keeping it out.

Now the damage was done, which meant it did not matter much that Schwarzer's lightning reactions prevented Philippe Senderos scoring a second own goal, nor that David Silva got a legitimate penalty after he had his legs taken away by City old boy Dickson Etuhu.

Aside from Damien Duff's angled drive, Fulham offered little and the game would have been over had it not been for the bravery of Brede Hangeland, who threw himself in the way of a goalbound Edin Dzeko strike.

The value of City's first-half efforts were not fully apparent until the second had reached its midway stage, with the snow becoming steadily heavier.

Twice Dean had to stop play for the lines to be swept, Senderos was booked for crashing into Kolarov with a tackle that owed something of its recklessness to the underfoot conditions, and neither side could get any flow into their game.

Baird had a free-kick gathered by Joe Hart, who has been mentioned in some quarters as a potential England skipper for Euro 2012 following John Terry's demotion.

With defending proving increasingly difficult, Aguero's nimble feet carried him into the area and past two half-hearted attempts at tackles.

It was a measure of the striker's awareness that instead of going for goal himself, he rolled the ball to an unmarked Dzeko, who finished with ease.

After a spate of disciplinary problems, City got away with one when Kolarov, about to be booked for hauling back Mousa Dembele, became engaged in a head-to-head duel with the Fulham man.

Dembele was booked but Kolarov escaped with a lecture in addition to the yellow card he would have received anyway.

The visitors hit the post when a cross-shot from substitute Bryan Ruiz flicked off Dzeko and then the woodwork before rolling to safety.

But the goalmouth action was over, the last notable moment coming when Mancini introduced transfer-window arrival David Pizarro for his debut in the final minute.

Championship club Portsmouth have officially entered administration for the second time in three seasons.

The club's application was approved on Friday morning by High Court judge Mr Justice Norris, who said he intended to appoint an administrator. The hearing was told the club has debts of around ?4 million.

In February 2010, Portsmouth became the first Premier League club to enter administration and were deducted nine points, condemning them to relegation. They now stand 18th in the Championship table.

Convers Sports Initiatives, led by Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov, completed their takeover of the club last June, but entered administration in November with Antonov stepping down as club owner. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs issued Portsmouth with a winding-up petition in January.

On Friday, the High Court appointed PKF as administrators, overlooking Hacker Young, who had previously undertaken the role for Portsmouth. Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs welcomed that decision.

"HMRC is pleased that the court agreed with our view that the creditors of any business have a right to expect that the administrator in these circumstances is completely independent," a statement from HMRC read.

"HMRC felt strongly that the appointment of Hacker Young as administrators to Portsmouth FC, whilst at the same time being administrators for the parent company CSI and its previous roles with the various Portsmouth Football Clubs, would present issues of conflict.

"This is why we suggested the appointment of PKF whose knowledge of the football industry and lack of previous connections to Portsmouth FC should reassure creditors."

The judge heard that the club had an unpaid tax bill of about ?2 million and owed about the same to other creditors.

He said he thought that creditors would get a better deal if the club was placed into administration rather than liquidated.

Lawyers told the hearing that being placed in administration could result in Portsmouth being docked more than ten points by the Football League - a penalty that could suck the club into a relegation fight.

But outside court accountant Trevor Birch, whose team will manage administration, said he hoped that a new owner could be found and urged fans to "keep the faith".

Steven Gerrard is convinced Liverpool can perform something of a repeat of their trophy-laden 2001 season now that Luis Suarez is back for the Merseyside club.

Eleven seasons ago Gerrard was a key part of a Liverpool squad that won the Carling Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup, in addition to qualifying for the Champions League.

This time they cannot win European honours, but the other three parts of the equation remain very much a possibility, with the Reds already in the Carling Cup final and into the fifth round of the FA Cup after knocking out Manchester United. Currently four points outside the top four, Champions League qualification is also there for the taking.

Suarez has missed nine games in total as the result of two separate FA punishments, but he is available for Liverpool's Monday collision with Tottenham. Skipper Gerrard, himself only recently back to regular first-team action, is excited at the prospect.

"Luis can help us achieve what we set out to achieve - finishing top four and reaching two finals," the England midfielder told BBC Sport.

"I'm sure he will because he's a super player. Luis has shown over the last 12 months that he's one of the best players in the world so we want these players available.

"He has been missed and the players are looking forward to welcoming him back."

Robin van Persie smashed a hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed 10-man Blackburn 7-1 to win in the Premier League for the first time this year.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also scored twice as Arsene Wenger saw his team close to just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Dutchman Van Persie fired the Gunners ahead inside two minutes, but a fine free-kick from Morten Gamst Pedersen brought Blackburn level.

Arsenal were soon back in front through skipper Van Persie, before Oxlade-Chamberlain extended the lead.

Gael Givet saw red for a two-footed challenge on Van Persie, and there was no way back for Rovers.

Arsenal dominated the second half, as Mikel Arteta and the impressive Oxlade-Chamberlain were both on target with Van Persie collecting the matchball following a neat near-post finish just after the hour.

Substitute Thierry Henry swept home goal number seven in stoppage time to cap a memorable afternoon at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners, who are up into fifth place, will be hoping for a Manchester United win at Stamford Bridge tomorrow to improve their Champions League prospects for next season.

Today Wenger's side took just one minute and 19 seconds to move ahead.

Theo Walcott was played into the right side of the penalty area by Francis Coquelin after a cross was only half cleared.

The England winger, frequently maligned for his poor choice of final ball, played a low centre through the six-yard box to Van Persie who tapped in his 121st Arsenal goal to overtake Dennis Bergkamp on the all-time list.

Today's match had been brought forward to a 1pm start because of disruptions to the London Underground network, and there were plenty of empty seats around Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal, who had not recorded a league win in 2012, continued to press as the visitors, unbeaten in three away games including a shock win at Old Trafford, defended deep with two banks of four.

Paul Robinson turned a curling effort from Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky around the post.

But after 31 minutes, Laurent Koscielny bundled over Anthony Modeste just outside the Arsenal penalty area.

It proved a costly foul as Gamst Pedersen whipped the resulting free-kick over the wall and into the top-left corner, a shot which Wojciech Szczesny got a hand to but could not keep out.

After the restart, there was a stoppage when Blackburn's Jason Lowe went over on his ankle in a sliding challenge from Rosicky, and the midfielder was replaced by Bradley Orr to make his debut.

Arsenal were ahead again after 38 minutes, and again it was Walcott who was the provider.

Following patient build-up, Alex Song slipped the England man away down the right again, and he sprinted to cut the ball back from the goalline right into the path of Van Persie, who again made no mistake from a yard out.

Before Rovers could regroup, it was 3-1.

Walcott and Van Persie combined again, this time to release Oxlade-Chamberlain into the Blackburn penalty area, where he skipped around Robinson and slotted home his first Premier League goal five minutes from half-time.

The afternoon got worse for the visitors after 43 minutes when Givet was shown a straight red card by referee Andre Marriner for jumping in with two feet on Van Persie.

Rovers made an immediate tactical change as midfielder David Dunn was replaced by defender Grant Hanley.

The hosts went close again when Thomas Vermaelen crashed the ball against the far post from Arteta's floated cross.

Arsenal further extended their lead after 51 minutes.

Blackburn only half cleared a corner to the edge of the area, from where Spaniard midfielder Arteta drilled the ball back into the bottom left corner.

Rovers, who had beaten the Gunners 4-3 at Ewood Park in September, were over-run again after 54 minutes when Walcott's mazy dribble through the penalty area took him past five defenders before slipping in Oxlade-Chamberlain, who turned his marker and rolled the ball past Robinson.

It was now very much a case of damage limitation for the visitors, manager Steve Kean pensively looking on from the dugout.

Van Persie, who twice struck the woodwork in Wednesday night's frustrating goalless draw at Bolton, completed his hat-trick after 62 minutes when he clipped home a cross from Coquelin at the near post.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was replaced by Henry for the final 23 minutes, which could not finish soon enough for Blackburn.

To round the scoring off, Henry - on loan from New York Red Bulls - swept home number seven in stoppage time, with the aid of a deflection.

Guus Hiddink has been appointed the new manager of Anzhi Makhachkala.

Hiddink has been out of work since leaving Turkey, having lost to Croatia in a Euro 2012 qualification play-off last year. He had been linked with the vacancy at Chelsea, with the London Evening Standard reporting on Thursday that a number of Blues players were eager to see him return to Stamford Bridge.

England and PSV Eindhoven were also touted as possible destinations.

However, he has now agreed to join big-spending Russian club Anzhi, succeeding Yuri Krasnozhan, who resigned his position earlier this month before having taken charge of a single competitive game.

Fabio Capello had been strongly linked with the post after departing England but Hiddink, 65, has signed an 18-month contract and appointed Ton du Chatinier and Zeljko Petrovic as his assistants. He will take charge of squad that includes Samuel Eto'o, Roberto Carlos and Yuri Zhirkov.

An official announcement was expected to be made before the weekend.

Paris St Germain maintained their three-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 and their 100% record under Carlo Ancelotti but were made to work hard by Evian for the second time this season.

The capital club fought back from 2-0 down to claim a point in the reverse fixture in September and again fell behind on Saturnday night to a Cedric Cambon goal on the stroke of half-time.

But PSG stormed back in the second period as Nene scored twice, the second from the penalty spot, and Kevin Gameiro wrapped up the 3-1 victory two minutes from the end of normal time.

Substitute Esmael Goncalves netted a late equaliser to deny in-form Ajaccio and earn bottom club Nice only their third away point of the season with a 1-1 draw.

Geoffrey Dernis struck lucky as Montpellier kept up the pressure on PSG. Dernis may not have known much about it but he scored the winner in the first half against Brest, as a volley from team-mate Remy Cabella struck him on the back and went past goalkeeper Steeve Elana.

Montpellier, second in the French top flight, remain three points behind the capital aristocrats. But if luck is to favour the underdogs, as it did in Saturday's 1-0 win, PSG might have cause to be worried.

Promoted Ajaccio looked on course to record a fifth successive Ligue 1 victory, having previously taken only four points from 12 games, thanks to Eduardo's 57th-minute penalty.

Goncalves had other ideas, though, and he popped up in the 85th minute to salvage his side a draw with a close-range finish following a defensive mix-up.

Bordeaux got back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 home win over ten-man Toulouse.

The in-form hosts were held to a goalless draw at lowly Evian last weekend but were quickly on course for a fifth successive home win after Jussie netted in the first minute.

The points were then effectively wrapped up before half-time as Ludovic Obraniak added a second before Toulouse had Moussa Sissoko sent off.

Nancy and Rennes battled out a goalless draw at the Stade Marcel Picot in a match brought forward four hours due to adverse weather. The hosts created the better of the chances but were wasteful in front of goal and did not overly test Rennes keeper Benoit Costil.

Valenciennes claimed their first Ligue 1 away win of the season at the 12th attempt as first-half goals by Renaud Cohade and Gael Danic saw off Dijon 2-1.

The result took the visitors above Dijon in the table and meant the hosts, who scored a late consolation through Gregory Thil, have now won just one of their last seven league matches.

Lorient's game at St Etienne lasted just ten minutes before a frozen pitch forced the referee to call the players off. The match had already been brought forward four hours to a 1400 kick-off in a bid to beat the cold snap, but the icy conditions meant the match was postponed.

Reading's owner-in-waiting, Anton Zingarevich, will be confident his millions have been well spent following his first official visit to the Madejski Stadium.

Zingarevich, whose consortium Thames Sports Investment is set to finalise a reported ?40million takeover of the Royals next month, jetted into Berkshire for the first time since the deal to purchase a majority shareholding in the club was announced.

And the Russian tycoon, educated at nearby Bearwood College, witnessed Jason Roberts' first-half strike secure the three points necessary to take Reading up to third place in the npower Championship.

Roberts popped up after 11 minutes to tuck home Jobi McAnuff's cross and hand the hosts an early advantage and, though Burnley produced several spells of concerted pressure, the Royals were good value for their win.

The Clarets almost caught their hosts cold after seven minutes. Josh McQuoid was given time and space down the left to deliver a delicate centre that picked out Charlie Austin, who could only direct his free header against the bar.

It was the wake-up call Reading needed after a sluggish opening, and four minutes later they were in front.

Reading captain McAnuff, returning after hernia surgery, beat his marker down the left flank before racing to the byline and pulling the ball back to Roberts, who found the left-hand corner with ease.

It was the frontman's third goal in four games since arriving from Blackburn last month.

With McAnuff and Jimmy Kebe regularly beating the Burnley full-backs, the hosts looked a threat every time the ball was distributed out wide.

The visiting Clarets were reduced to speculative efforts from range, as Jay Rodriguez fired wide from 20 yards after 28 minutes and Chris McCann's volley from the edge of the box ended up woefully off target three minutes before half-time.

In the end Burnley were lucky to go into the break just a goal behind after Lee Grant fumbled Ian Harte's free-kick, as Ben Mee produced a superb block to prevent Noel Hunt's attempt on the rebound from creeping in.

After the interval, however, Burnley found a spark.

Two minutes into the second period the Reading defence switched off, allowing Austin a clear sight of goal, but Adam Federici's right boot prevented the forward from finding the bottom right-hand corner.

Four minutes later the woodwork came to the hosts' rescue once again. This time Rodriguez was the unlucky party, as his header from Kieran Trippier's corner cannoned back off an upright.

But Reading weathered the early storm and soon re-established their dominance.

With 19 minutes remaining, Jem Karacan found Kebe at the back post, and the Malian's fine header drifted over Grant only for Trippier to nod clear on the goalline.

Chances were few and far between in the final quarter, but Roberts' early strike ensured the trip was worth it for Zingarevich.

Third-placed Heerenveen moved within two points of Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven this evening thanks to a hard-fought home victory over NAC Breda.

Filip Djuricic netted the game's only goal 11 minutes before half-time at the Abe Lenstra Stadion to keep Heerenveen well in the title hunt and leave NAC fourth from bottom of the standings.

The visitors had the first sight of goal in the third minute, Santi Kolk firing into the hands of Heerenveen keeper Brian Vandenbussche.

Djuricic had his first attempt in the 11th minute and, although he saw his shot blocked by keeper Jelle ten Rouwelaar, his second effort on target 23 minutes later proved more fruitful.

Rajiv Van La Parra fed Bas Dost, who in turn supplied Djuricic for a close-range finish which gave Ten Rouwelaar no chance.

Vandenbussche had to be alert two minutes into the second half to preserve his side's lead, fisting away a fierce 20-yard shot from Omar Bayram.

Djuricic and Luciano Narsingh almost combined to make it 2-0 six minutes later but the latter's effort was kept out by the sprawling Ten Rouwelaar.

Ten Rouwelaar was again at full stretch 20 minutes from time to keep out a Jeffrey Gouweleeuw piledriver which looked destined for the top-left corner, and soon after also tipped a Michel Breuer shot away for a corner.

The closest the visitors came to a late equaliser was Florian Jozefzoon's attempt five minutes from time, but to Heerenveen's relief it curled just wide of the post.

Narsingh had one last chance to make absolutely sure of the points deep into stoppage time. He lashed wide of the left post, but the hosts had already done enough.

Scott Brown found the target for the third game in a row as Celtic overcame a battling Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2-0 to reach the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup, while Motherwell crushed Morton and Hibernian edged out Kilmarnock.

Georgios Samaras handed Celtic a first-half lead and they had to withstand some pressure from Caley before Brown converted from the spot on 67 minutes to seal their passage.

Both sides took time to come to terms with the windy conditions but the pendulum swung the visitors' way when Greece striker Samaras fired high past Jonny Tuffey in the 33rd minute to give them the interval lead.

In the 67th minute, after Caley defender David Proctor had conceded a penalty for a foul on Gary Hooper, Celtic skipper Brown slotted in the spot-kick to take the holders into Monday's draw at Hampden Park.

The result extended the Hoops' domestic winning run to 15 games and, being one point clear of Rangers at the top of the SPL and in the final of the Scottish Communities League Cup final, kept them on course for the domestic treble.

Motherwell booked their place in the last eight with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Morton at Fir Park.

The home stunned their Scottish First Division opponents as they raced into a 5-0 half-time advantage. Tom Hateley netted directly from a corner before Jamie Murphy, Shaun Hutchinson, Henrik Ojamaa and Nicky Law all netted for the hosts as the tie was all but decided before the interval.

Murphy then blasted home his second midway through the second half to add to Morton's woes and complete a one-sided scoreline.

A first-half Eoin Doyle strike was enough to earn a resolute Hibernian side a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock at Easter Road.

Aberdeen came from behind to earn a replay against Queen of the South.

Scott McLaughlin netted against the run of play after 54 minutes to give the Doonhamers hope of pulling off a shock against their top flight rivals, who have fallen victims to a number of cup upsets in recent seasons. However Scott Vernon scrambled the ball home after 67 minutes following a long Kari Arnason throw-in to keep alive the Dons' hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

Ross County captain Richard Brittain missed a last-minute penalty as the First Division side had to settle for a replay against St Mirren.

Brittain had put his side ahead from the spot five minutes before half-time, only for the effort to be cancelled out within three minutes by a headed goal from St Mirren striker Steven Thompson.

Brittain had a golden opportunity to score a stoppage-time winner after Mark Corcoran was brought down by Lee Mair, but this time he sent his penalty sailing well over the bar.

Championship club Portsmouth have officially entered administration for the second time in three seasons.

The club's application was approved on Friday morning by High Court judge Mr Justice Norris, who said he intended to appoint an administrator. The hearing was told the club has debts of around ?4 million.

In February 2010, Portsmouth became the first Premier League club to enter administration and were deducted nine points, condemning them to relegation. They now stand 18th in the Championship table.

Convers Sports Initiatives, led by Russian businessman Vladimir Antonov, completed their takeover of the club last June, but entered administration in November with Antonov stepping down as club owner. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs issued Portsmouth with a winding-up petition in January.

On Friday, the High Court appointed PKF as administrators, overlooking Hacker Young, who had previously undertaken the role for Portsmouth. Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs welcomed that decision.

"HMRC is pleased that the court agreed with our view that the creditors of any business have a right to expect that the administrator in these circumstances is completely independent," a statement from HMRC read.

"HMRC felt strongly that the appointment of Hacker Young as administrators to Portsmouth FC, whilst at the same time being administrators for the parent company CSI and its previous roles with the various Portsmouth Football Clubs, would present issues of conflict.

"This is why we suggested the appointment of PKF whose knowledge of the football industry and lack of previous connections to Portsmouth FC should reassure creditors."

The judge heard that the club had an unpaid tax bill of about ?2 million and owed about the same to other creditors.

He said he thought that creditors would get a better deal if the club was placed into administration rather than liquidated.

Lawyers told the hearing that being placed in administration could result in Portsmouth being docked more than ten points by the Football League - a penalty that could suck the club into a relegation fight.

But outside court accountant Trevor Birch, whose team will manage administration, said he hoped that a new owner could be found and urged fans to "keep the faith".

Sunderland's impressive form continued as a strike from James McClean gave them a 1-0 win against ten-man Stoke at a wintry Britannia Stadium.

In a contest during which snow fell throughout, a first half of few goalscoring opportunities finished with Potters defender Robert Huth receiving his marching orders in the 45th minute. The German was shown a straight red card following a tackle on David Meyler.

McClean then netted in the 60th, bursting through the hosts' defence and tucking the ball away to seal a victory which means the Black Cats have now taken 22 points from the 30 on offer in the Barclays Premier League since manager Martin O'Neill took charge of the Wearsiders.

O'Neill's side, who had been hovering just above the relegation zone when he was appointed in December, remain eighth in the table while Stoke have slipped to 12th.

Potters boss Tony Pulis made three changes to his first XI, forward Cameron Jerome and midfielders Glenn Whelan and Rory Delap replacing Kenwyne Jones, Wilson Palacios - who, like the ill Matthew Etherington, did not feature in the squad at all - and Dean Whitehead.

There was only one adjustment for the visitors, with Meyler promoted to the starting line-up and Fraizer Campbell dropping to the bench, while transfer deadline day loan signings Wayne Bridge and Sotirios Kyrgiakos were also among the substitutes.

The snow that had been falling in the build-up to the game - which was being cleared off the pitch right up until kick-off - continued to come down as the action got under way and it took a while for either side to really warm up.

Stoke enjoyed the lion's share of possession early on and, after Jerome was beaten to Peter Crouch's flick-on by Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, the Potters won a corner that led to Marc Wilson trying his luck from outside the box, firing in a low effort which was blocked.

Mignolet then claimed a useful-looking cross into the area from Whelan, but there was little being fashioned in the way of genuine attempts on goal.

Stephane Sessegnon started to show some endeavour for the visitors, seeing one shot deflect away from danger and on the half-hour mark, drilling another narrowly wide.

It was Sunderland's best spell yet, but with conditions getting worse, it was difficult to build any momentum.

Jerome, who had taken a knock, came off for Ricardo Fuller before Jon Walters brought a save out of Mignolet with a drilled shot.

The first half then ended on a sour note for Stoke as Huth was dismissed for a sliding challenge on Meyler.

Pulis, incensed by referee Martin Atkinson's decision, reacted by substituting Jermaine Pennant for Jonathan Woodgate.

Sunderland went close shortly after the interval as Sessegnon headed McClean's cross just over the bar.

At the other end, another Wilson long-range attempt looped up off a Black Cats shirt, but the visitors were looking to make their man advantage count and, 15 minutes into the second half, they took the lead.

Collecting the ball from Sessegnon, McClean powered forward and, having evaded Andy Wilkinson and Ryan Shawcross, slotted it past Thomas Sorensen.

Delap tried to make a swift response but lashed a shot off target and, after Mignolet survived spilling a long throw from the midfielder, Walters put an effort high and wide.

Stoke continued to press, with Crouch's header being caught by Mignolet.

The goalkeeper then got down to save an angled effort from Fuller.

Wilson's deflected shot earned a corner towards the end, but it went unconverted as Sunderland emerged triumphant.

Sunderland's impressive form continued as a strike from James McClean gave them a 1-0 win against ten-man Stoke at a wintry Britannia Stadium.

In a contest during which snow fell throughout, a first half of few goalscoring opportunities finished with Potters defender Robert Huth receiving his marching orders in the 45th minute. The German was shown a straight red card following a tackle on David Meyler.

McClean then netted in the 60th, bursting through the hosts' defence and tucking the ball away to seal a victory which means the Black Cats have now taken 22 points from the 30 on offer in the Barclays Premier League since manager Martin O'Neill took charge of the Wearsiders.

O'Neill's side, who had been hovering just above the relegation zone when he was appointed in December, remain eighth in the table while Stoke have slipped to 12th.

Potters boss Tony Pulis made three changes to his first XI, forward Cameron Jerome and midfielders Glenn Whelan and Rory Delap replacing Kenwyne Jones, Wilson Palacios - who, like the ill Matthew Etherington, did not feature in the squad at all - and Dean Whitehead.

There was only one adjustment for the visitors, with Meyler promoted to the starting line-up and Fraizer Campbell dropping to the bench, while transfer deadline day loan signings Wayne Bridge and Sotirios Kyrgiakos were also among the substitutes.

The snow that had been falling in the build-up to the game - which was being cleared off the pitch right up until kick-off - continued to come down as the action got under way and it took a while for either side to really warm up.

Stoke enjoyed the lion's share of possession early on and, after Jerome was beaten to Peter Crouch's flick-on by Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, the Potters won a corner that led to Marc Wilson trying his luck from outside the box, firing in a low effort which was blocked.

Mignolet then claimed a useful-looking cross into the area from Whelan, but there was little being fashioned in the way of genuine attempts on goal.

Stephane Sessegnon started to show some endeavour for the visitors, seeing one shot deflect away from danger and on the half-hour mark, drilling another narrowly wide.

It was Sunderland's best spell yet, but with conditions getting worse, it was difficult to build any momentum.

Jerome, who had taken a knock, came off for Ricardo Fuller before Jon Walters brought a save out of Mignolet with a drilled shot.

The first half then ended on a sour note for Stoke as Huth was dismissed for a sliding challenge on Meyler.

Pulis, incensed by referee Martin Atkinson's decision, reacted by substituting Jermaine Pennant for Jonathan Woodgate.

Sunderland went close shortly after the interval as Sessegnon headed McClean's cross just over the bar.

At the other end, another Wilson long-range attempt looped up off a Black Cats shirt, but the visitors were looking to make their man advantage count and, 15 minutes into the second half, they took the lead.

Collecting the ball from Sessegnon, McClean powered forward and, having evaded Andy Wilkinson and Ryan Shawcross, slotted it past Thomas Sorensen.

Delap tried to make a swift response but lashed a shot off target and, after Mignolet survived spilling a long throw from the midfielder, Walters put an effort high and wide.

Stoke continued to press, with Crouch's header being caught by Mignolet.

The goalkeeper then got down to save an angled effort from Fuller.

Wilson's deflected shot earned a corner towards the end, but it went unconverted as Sunderland emerged triumphant.

Wigan benefited from one of the more bizarre goals the Premier League will see this season but had to settle for a point against Everton at the DW Stadium.

• Martinez welcomes change in luck

It had been a thoroughly forgettable affair until the 76th minute when Phil Neville blocked a Jean Beausejour cross and the ball somehow found its way past Tim Howard for a hugely embarrassing own goal.

But the hosts' lead lasted only seven minutes, substitute Victor Anichebe heading in the equaliser to ensure Everton followed up their win over Manchester City on Tuesday with a point on the road.

Toffees boss David Moyes fielded one of his deadline-day signings, Steven Pienaar, who rejoined the club on loan from Tottenham on Tuesday, but striker Nikica Jelavic had to settle for a place on the bench.

Denis Stracqualursi was the man keeping Jelavic out of the team after impressing against City and he had the first decent sight of goal in the 13th minute, but the ball got stuck under his feet and he could only poke it tamely at Ali Al Habsi.

Pienaar was making his first start in the Barclays Premier League this season but was quickly up to speed and causing trouble for the Latics, who were just about holding firm.

Scoring goals has been a major problem for Wigan and Franco Di Santo could not make the most of a golden chance in the 20th minute. A long ball from Maynor Figueroa caught out the Everton defence but the striker placed his shot too close to Tim Howard.

It was a very scrappy game and Jordi Gomez could only curl a free-kick well over from 25 yards after Johnny Heitinga had hauled down Di Santo, while at the other end Wigan just about managed to scramble a Landon Donovan corner clear.

The Latics were failing to capitalise on good positions, with Victor Moses the latest culprit as his control let him down at the crucial moment as he lined up a shot.

Darron Gibson was the Everton hero on Tuesday but he spurned a good chance five minutes before the break, sending his shot way over the bar after Leighton Baines had done well to get to the goalline and pull the ball back.

Everton made a change at half-time, Neville replacing Tim Cahill, but it did little to improve the quality, with both goalkeepers virtual spectators.

Gibson did manage a half-decent effort but it was easily saved by Al Habsi, and on the hour mark Moyes sent on Jelavic for Stracqualursi. The Croatian was prolific at Rangers and his arrival was greeted with a huge roar from the vocal Everton fans.

Roberto Martinez had also seen enough and in the 65th minute the Wigan manager made a double change, Rodallega replacing Gomez and David Jones coming on for Ronnie Stam, while moments later Di Santo hobbled off and Albert Crusat entered the fray.

The hosts wanted a penalty when Jones' shot deflected behind off Pienaar's arm, but referee Anthony Taylor waved their claims away.

Wigan have been short on luck this season but they certainly got a huge slice of it in the 76th minute as Everton gifted them the softest of goals.

There seemed little danger when Neville got a foot to Beausejour's cross and the ball headed straight for Howard but the keeper let it bounce and the spin on the ball took it past him and into the net, to the disbelief of players and fans alike.

Anichebe came on for Tony Hibbert in the 81st minute in Moyes' final throw of the dice, and within two minutes he had levelled matters, leaping above the Wigan defence to guide in a header from Baines' cross after the hosts had not dealt well with a corner.

Wigan pushed for a winner and almost found it from a late corner but they could not force the ball in as it pinged around the Everton box.

The point did at least end a run of five successive defeats for the Latics, who remain five points adrift of safety.

Markus Babbel had to settle for point on his home debut as Hoffenheim coach, with Mohamed Zidan's equaliser earning Mainz a draw in tonight's Bundesliga match at the Rhein-Neckar Arena.

Mainz defender Nikolce Noveski gave the hosts the lead with a ninth-minute own goal, but Zidan levelled 20 minutes later to earn Thomas Tuchel's side their third consecutive 1-1 draw.

The result lifted Hoffenheim above Hamburg and into the top 10, while Mainz also climbed a position to replace Cologne in 12th spot.

Hoffenheim took the lead in the ninth minute when Boris Vukcevic's cross was put into his own goal by Noveski, who also put through his own net in his side's 4-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.

Srdjan Lakic missed a good chance to make it two just over five minutes later, shooting wide from a tight angle.

Zidan then extended his record of having scored in every game since returning to Mainz this winter to bring Mainz level in the 29th minute.

Radoslav Zabavnik sent in a cross from the left which was met by the Egyptian, who scored from close range.

Babbel sent Ryan Babel on after an hour and, within seconds of taking to the field, he sent a shot wide of the post.

Hoffenheim posed a greater threat in the final 20 minutes, but they were unable to break down a Mainz side who seemed happy to sit back and settle for another point which took them six points clear of the relegation zone.

Wigan benefited from one of the more bizarre goals the Premier League will see this season but had to settle for a point against Everton at the DW Stadium.

• Martinez welcomes change in luck

It had been a thoroughly forgettable affair until the 76th minute when Phil Neville blocked a Jean Beausejour cross and the ball somehow found its way past Tim Howard for a hugely embarrassing own goal.

But the hosts' lead lasted only seven minutes, substitute Victor Anichebe heading in the equaliser to ensure Everton followed up their win over Manchester City on Tuesday with a point on the road.

Toffees boss David Moyes fielded one of his deadline-day signings, Steven Pienaar, who rejoined the club on loan from Tottenham on Tuesday, but striker Nikica Jelavic had to settle for a place on the bench.

Denis Stracqualursi was the man keeping Jelavic out of the team after impressing against City and he had the first decent sight of goal in the 13th minute, but the ball got stuck under his feet and he could only poke it tamely at Ali Al Habsi.

Pienaar was making his first start in the Barclays Premier League this season but was quickly up to speed and causing trouble for the Latics, who were just about holding firm.

Scoring goals has been a major problem for Wigan and Franco Di Santo could not make the most of a golden chance in the 20th minute. A long ball from Maynor Figueroa caught out the Everton defence but the striker placed his shot too close to Tim Howard.

It was a very scrappy game and Jordi Gomez could only curl a free-kick well over from 25 yards after Johnny Heitinga had hauled down Di Santo, while at the other end Wigan just about managed to scramble a Landon Donovan corner clear.

The Latics were failing to capitalise on good positions, with Victor Moses the latest culprit as his control let him down at the crucial moment as he lined up a shot.

Darron Gibson was the Everton hero on Tuesday but he spurned a good chance five minutes before the break, sending his shot way over the bar after Leighton Baines had done well to get to the goalline and pull the ball back.

Everton made a change at half-time, Neville replacing Tim Cahill, but it did little to improve the quality, with both goalkeepers virtual spectators.

Gibson did manage a half-decent effort but it was easily saved by Al Habsi, and on the hour mark Moyes sent on Jelavic for Stracqualursi. The Croatian was prolific at Rangers and his arrival was greeted with a huge roar from the vocal Everton fans.

Roberto Martinez had also seen enough and in the 65th minute the Wigan manager made a double change, Rodallega replacing Gomez and David Jones coming on for Ronnie Stam, while moments later Di Santo hobbled off and Albert Crusat entered the fray.

The hosts wanted a penalty when Jones' shot deflected behind off Pienaar's arm, but referee Anthony Taylor waved their claims away.

Wigan have been short on luck this season but they certainly got a huge slice of it in the 76th minute as Everton gifted them the softest of goals.

There seemed little danger when Neville got a foot to Beausejour's cross and the ball headed straight for Howard but the keeper let it bounce and the spin on the ball took it past him and into the net, to the disbelief of players and fans alike.

Anichebe came on for Tony Hibbert in the 81st minute in Moyes' final throw of the dice, and within two minutes he had levelled matters, leaping above the Wigan defence to guide in a header from Baines' cross after the hosts had not dealt well with a corner.

Wigan pushed for a winner and almost found it from a late corner but they could not force the ball in as it pinged around the Everton box.

The point did at least end a run of five successive defeats for the Latics, who remain five points adrift of safety.

Robin van Persie smashed a hat-trick as Arsenal thrashed 10-man Blackburn 7-1 to win in the Premier League for the first time this year.

• Wenger savours taste of victory

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also scored twice as Arsene Wenger saw his team close to just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

Dutchman Van Persie fired the Gunners ahead inside two minutes, but a fine free-kick from Morten Gamst Pedersen brought Blackburn level.

Arsenal were soon back in front through skipper Van Persie, before Oxlade-Chamberlain extended the lead.

Gael Givet saw red for a two-footed challenge on Van Persie, and there was no way back for Rovers.

Arsenal dominated the second half, as Mikel Arteta and the impressive Oxlade-Chamberlain were both on target with Van Persie collecting the matchball following a neat near-post finish just after the hour.

Substitute Thierry Henry swept home goal number seven in stoppage time to cap a memorable afternoon at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners, who are up into fifth place, will be hoping for a Manchester United win at Stamford Bridge tomorrow to improve their Champions League prospects for next season.

Today Wenger's side took just one minute and 19 seconds to move ahead.

Theo Walcott was played into the right side of the penalty area by Francis Coquelin after a cross was only half cleared.

The England winger, frequently maligned for his poor choice of final ball, played a low centre through the six-yard box to Van Persie who tapped in his 121st Arsenal goal to overtake Dennis Bergkamp on the all-time list.

Today's match had been brought forward to a 1pm start because of disruptions to the London Underground network, and there were plenty of empty seats around Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal, who had not recorded a league win in 2012, continued to press as the visitors, unbeaten in three away games including a shock win at Old Trafford, defended deep with two banks of four.

Paul Robinson turned a curling effort from Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky around the post.

But after 31 minutes, Laurent Koscielny bundled over Anthony Modeste just outside the Arsenal penalty area.

It proved a costly foul as Gamst Pedersen whipped the resulting free-kick over the wall and into the top-left corner, a shot which Wojciech Szczesny got a hand to but could not keep out.

After the restart, there was a stoppage when Blackburn's Jason Lowe went over on his ankle in a sliding challenge from Rosicky, and the midfielder was replaced by Bradley Orr to make his debut.

Arsenal were ahead again after 38 minutes, and again it was Walcott who was the provider.

Following patient build-up, Alex Song slipped the England man away down the right again, and he sprinted to cut the ball back from the goalline right into the path of Van Persie, who again made no mistake from a yard out.

Before Rovers could regroup, it was 3-1.

Walcott and Van Persie combined again, this time to release Oxlade-Chamberlain into the Blackburn penalty area, where he skipped around Robinson and slotted home his first Premier League goal five minutes from half-time.

The afternoon got worse for the visitors after 43 minutes when Givet was shown a straight red card by referee Andre Marriner for jumping in with two feet on Van Persie.

Rovers made an immediate tactical change as midfielder David Dunn was replaced by defender Grant Hanley.

The hosts went close again when Thomas Vermaelen crashed the ball against the far post from Arteta's floated cross.

Arsenal further extended their lead after 51 minutes.

Blackburn only half cleared a corner to the edge of the area, from where Spaniard midfielder Arteta drilled the ball back into the bottom left corner.

Rovers, who had beaten the Gunners 4-3 at Ewood Park in September, were over-run again after 54 minutes when Walcott's mazy dribble through the penalty area took him past five defenders before slipping in Oxlade-Chamberlain, who turned his marker and rolled the ball past Robinson.

It was now very much a case of damage limitation for the visitors, manager Steve Kean pensively looking on from the dugout.

Van Persie, who twice struck the woodwork in Wednesday night's frustrating goalless draw at Bolton, completed his hat-trick after 62 minutes when he clipped home a cross from Coquelin at the near post.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was replaced by Henry for the final 23 minutes, which could not finish soon enough for Blackburn.

To round the scoring off, Henry - on loan from New York Red Bulls - swept home number seven in stoppage time, with the aid of a deflection.

Ten-man West Ham moved five points clear at the top of the Championship table after a 2-1 win over bitter rivals Millwall.

The Hammers bounced back from their midweek drubbing at the hands of Ipswich courtesy of goals from top scorer Carlton Cole and Winston Reid.

However, they were forced to play for more than 80 minutes with 10 men after Kevin Nolan was given his marching orders for a two-footed lunge on Jack Smith.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the home side enjoyed much of the possession and were rewarded with a goal on the stroke of half-time, Cole nodding home in stoppage time. They had the chance to double their advantage but Julien Faubert's header clattered the underside of the crossbar, and visitors were soon back on level terms.

Liam Trotter volleyed past Robert Green for a 66th-minute equaliser, but the Hammers restored their lead just three minutes later, albeit in controversial circumstances. Millwall keeper David Forde could only punch clear as far as right-back Reid, who lashed in a superb long-range effort. Forde looked to have been fouled by Faubert but the incident was not spotted by referee Mike Jones.

Promotion-chasing Cardiff failed to keep pace with the Hammers as they were beaten 3-1 by Blackpool at Cardiff City Stadium.

Joe Mason thought he had done enough to secure three points for the Bluebirds, lashing home from close range after Don Cowie had nodded back across Matthew Gilks' goal, but the home side failed to hold onto their advantage. Tangerines substitute Kevin Phillips equalised before Matt Phillips scored two late goals to secure all three points for Ian Holloway's men.

Leeds United began life under caretaker manager Neil Redfearn with a resounding victory. Leeds, who parted company with Simon Grayson in midweek, kept their play-off hopes alive with a 3-0 win over nine-man Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Robert Snodgrass gave the visitors the lead in the 39th minute, but City's hopes of finding their way back into the match were dashed when James Wilson was given his marching orders just four minutes later, before Yannick Bolasie was sent off for a second bookable offence ten minutes into the second half. And Leeds made their numerical advantage count with goals from Ross McCormack and Luciano Becchio.

Michael Chopra's last-gasp goal secured back-to-back wins for Ipswich who came from behind to beat bottom side Coventry 3-2. The Sky Blues looked to be heading for a fourth straight victory at the Ricoh Arena after Gary Deegan gave the home side a 2-1 half-time lead, but two second-half strikes from Chopra saw Ipswich move ten points clear of the relegation zone.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas scored his third goal in two games to give the visitors an early lead, but Coventry captain Sammy Clingan converted from the penalty spot after Ibrahima Sonko handled the ball in the area. Deegan netted on the stroke of half-time, but Chopra showed a striker's instinct to bury the ball after Lee Martin's penalty was saved before netting his tenth goal of the season in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Brighton also left it late, Will Buckley netting a late winner as Albion beat Leicester City 1-0 at the Amex Stadium. The Foxes had been forced to play the majority of the second half with 10 men after Jermaine Beckford was sent off after fouling Lewis Dunk, but it was only after Matt Sparrow was sent off for Brighton that the home side broke the deadlock.

Middlesbrough lost ground on the front runners as they were forced to settle for their eighth draw at the Riverside after a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

John Eustace scored in both halves as Watford beat Barnsley 2-1 at Vicarage Road, with Andy Gray's late strike a mere consolation for the visitors, while Jay Rodriguez scored his fifth goal in as many games to cancel out Paul Taylor's early strike as Burnley claimed a 1-1 draw against Peterborough at Turf Moor.

Doncaster Rovers' home clash against Reading was postponed due to a frozen pitch, while Portsmouth versus Hull City at Fratton Park also fell foul of the weather.

Manchester City duo Abdul Razak and Gai Assulin have joined Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion on loan.

Midfielder Razak, who spent time on loan at Portsmouth earlier in the season, will join Brighton until the end of the season.

"Abdul is the type of midfielder I have wanted to bring into the squad for some time," Brighton boss Gus Poyet said. "He is someone we have been aware of for a while, and we have been patient - but now I am very pleased he is here because he offers something different to what we have.

"He has the type of characteristics of a midfielder I want to bring - the strength, the power to go box to box, the technical ability. He brings plenty of things we didn't have within the squad before he arrived."

Israeli winger Assulin, meanwhile, joins until March 19. He signed for City on a free transfer in December 2010 after leaving Barcelona, and had been close to loan moves to Nottingham Forest and Barnsley earlier in the season.

He has recently recovered from an injury that has kept him out of action since November.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist has suffered yet another blow after the Scottish Premier League rejected their attempt to sign striker Daniel Cousin.

Rangers announced a deal had been done to sign free agent Cousin on Monday subject to international clearance, but they went into administration 24 hours later, triggering restrictions on registering players with the SPL.

McCoist said he hoped to play Cousin against Kilmarnock but his plan was dashed by an SPL decision.

A statement read: ''The SPL was at 3.26pm today presented with a contract between Daniel Cousin and Rangers FC dated 17 February 2012, signed by the player and by Paul Clark, the joint administrator of The Rangers Football Club plc (in Administration).

''In terms of SPL rule A6.20, the consent of the board of the SPL was required for the registration of the player with the SPL. The board of the SPL declined to give that consent.

''Accordingly the player is not registered with the SPL and is not eligible to play in SPL matches. Rangers FC have the right to appeal this decision to the judicial panel of the Scottish FA.''

The Rangers manager said earlier: ''Daniel Cousin is shellshocked at the moment, like the rest of us.

''At this moment in time he is in the squad for tomorrow and still has an opportunity of getting the signing through. I'm still very hopeful we can get through the bits of red tape.

''The players still want Daniel to come, we still want Daniel to come and the support want Daniel to come. Most importantly, Daniel still wants to be involved here.''

The relevant section of the SPL rules reads: ''A club that has taken, suffered or has been subject to an insolvency event or events shall not be entitled or permitted to register any player with the League and the League shall not register such a player in terms of section D of the rules until such insolvency event or events shall no longer continue or subsist.''

Third-placed Heerenveen moved within two points of Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven this evening thanks to a hard-fought home victory over NAC Breda.

Filip Djuricic netted the game's only goal 11 minutes before half-time at the Abe Lenstra Stadion to keep Heerenveen well in the title hunt and leave NAC fourth from bottom of the standings.

The visitors had the first sight of goal in the third minute, Santi Kolk firing into the hands of Heerenveen keeper Brian Vandenbussche.

Djuricic had his first attempt in the 11th minute and, although he saw his shot blocked by keeper Jelle ten Rouwelaar, his second effort on target 23 minutes later proved more fruitful.

Rajiv Van La Parra fed Bas Dost, who in turn supplied Djuricic for a close-range finish which gave Ten Rouwelaar no chance.

Vandenbussche had to be alert two minutes into the second half to preserve his side's lead, fisting away a fierce 20-yard shot from Omar Bayram.

Djuricic and Luciano Narsingh almost combined to make it 2-0 six minutes later but the latter's effort was kept out by the sprawling Ten Rouwelaar.

Ten Rouwelaar was again at full stretch 20 minutes from time to keep out a Jeffrey Gouweleeuw piledriver which looked destined for the top-left corner, and soon after also tipped a Michel Breuer shot away for a corner.

The closest the visitors came to a late equaliser was Florian Jozefzoon's attempt five minutes from time, but to Heerenveen's relief it curled just wide of the post.

Narsingh had one last chance to make absolutely sure of the points deep into stoppage time. He lashed wide of the left post, but the hosts had already done enough.

Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty has been found dead at his home. He was 54.

The club said Doughty was found in the gym at his Lincolnshire house.

"It is with enormous sadness that Nottingham Forest announce the death of the club's owner Nigel Doughty," a statement read. "Mr Doughty, who was 54, was found dead earlier today in his gym at his home in Skillington, Lincolnshire.

"The club would like to appeal for the privacy of Mr Doughty's family to be observed at this sad time.

"The club will be making no further comment."

Lifelong Forest fan Doughty stepped down as chairman in October after a decade in the job following the sacking of former England manager Steve McClaren.

He was replaced in the role by former Forest player and manager Frank Clark.

Doughty, who saved the Reds from administration when he bought the club for ?11 million in 1999, invested almost ?100 million of his personal fortune in the club.

As a Forest fan, his dream was to guide the club back into the Premier League. During his ten years at the City Ground, the club won promotion back to the Championship in 2008, three years after their relegation.

Under manager Billy Davies, the Reds reached the play-offs in each of the last two seasons.

Forest forward Matt Derbyshire said on Twitter: "I can't believe the sad news, my thoughts go out to his family."

Forward Garath McCleary praised Doughty for the work he did. "He has done so much for Forest, which was not always best appreciated," he said. "My thoughts are with his family."

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "I am shocked and saddened to hear of Nigel Doughty's death. I was with him only a week ago and he was full of life, enthusiasm and vigour.

"He was a kind, generous man with a deep desire to make the world a better place. My heart goes out to his wife Lucy and his children. We mourn his death deeply and will sorely miss him."

Doughty had led a Small Business Taskforce that made recommendations to Labour late last year which are to be considered as part of the party's policy-making process.

Porto have said they are "very surprised with the accusations" that their fans racially abused Mario Balotelli.

Manchester City have lodged an official complaint with UEFA after hearing monkey chants directed at Balotelli during the first half in their 2-1 victory in the Europa League on Thursday night.

UEFA is awaiting its match delegate's report before deciding whether to take action, but Porto spokesman Rui Cerqueira believes that the apparent abuse was down to a misunderstanding and that fans of both clubs were actually chanting "Kun, Kun, Kun; Hulk, Hulk, Hulk" in support of their players.

"What we can basically say is that nothing abnormal happened," Cerqueira said in the Daily Telegraph. "No one noticed anything strange, not even the UEFA delegates that worked closely with Porto during the match.

"We are very proud of having a multi-racial team, with players from all backgrounds and to have achieved many titles with respect. Porto players have never felt the slightest hint of racism and we were very surprised with the accusations."

Yaya Toure had said after the match that he had heard the chants.

''That's why we all like the Premier League, because it never happens there,'' he told Sky Sports News. ''Maybe in foreign countries they don't expect black players. I think in future it will be okay, they will change their minds and the game will become more open."

Ten-man West Ham moved five points clear at the top of the Championship table after a 2-1 win over bitter rivals Millwall.

The Hammers bounced back from their midweek drubbing at the hands of Ipswich courtesy of goals from top scorer Carlton Cole and Winston Reid.

However, they were forced to play for more than 80 minutes with 10 men after Kevin Nolan was given his marching orders for a two-footed lunge on Jack Smith.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the home side enjoyed much of the possession and were rewarded with a goal on the stroke of half-time, Cole nodding home in stoppage time. They had the chance to double their advantage but Julien Faubert's header clattered the underside of the crossbar, and visitors were soon back on level terms.

Liam Trotter volleyed past Robert Green for a 66th-minute equaliser, but the Hammers restored their lead just three minutes later, albeit in controversial circumstances. Millwall keeper David Forde could only punch clear as far as right-back Reid, who lashed in a superb long-range effort. Forde looked to have been fouled by Faubert but the incident was not spotted by referee Mike Jones.

Promotion-chasing Cardiff failed to keep pace with the Hammers as they were beaten 3-1 by Blackpool at Cardiff City Stadium.

Joe Mason thought he had done enough to secure three points for the Bluebirds, lashing home from close range after Don Cowie had nodded back across Matthew Gilks' goal, but the home side failed to hold onto their advantage. Tangerines substitute Kevin Phillips equalised before Matt Phillips scored two late goals to secure all three points for Ian Holloway's men.

Leeds United began life under caretaker manager Neil Redfearn with a resounding victory. Leeds, who parted company with Simon Grayson in midweek, kept their play-off hopes alive with a 3-0 win over nine-man Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Robert Snodgrass gave the visitors the lead in the 39th minute, but City's hopes of finding their way back into the match were dashed when James Wilson was given his marching orders just four minutes later, before Yannick Bolasie was sent off for a second bookable offence ten minutes into the second half. And Leeds made their numerical advantage count with goals from Ross McCormack and Luciano Becchio.

Michael Chopra's last-gasp goal secured back-to-back wins for Ipswich who came from behind to beat bottom side Coventry 3-2. The Sky Blues looked to be heading for a fourth straight victory at the Ricoh Arena after Gary Deegan gave the home side a 2-1 half-time lead, but two second-half strikes from Chopra saw Ipswich move ten points clear of the relegation zone.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas scored his third goal in two games to give the visitors an early lead, but Coventry captain Sammy Clingan converted from the penalty spot after Ibrahima Sonko handled the ball in the area. Deegan netted on the stroke of half-time, but Chopra showed a striker's instinct to bury the ball after Lee Martin's penalty was saved before netting his tenth goal of the season in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Brighton also left it late, Will Buckley netting a late winner as Albion beat Leicester City 1-0 at the Amex Stadium. The Foxes had been forced to play the majority of the second half with 10 men after Jermaine Beckford was sent off after fouling Lewis Dunk, but it was only after Matt Sparrow was sent off for Brighton that the home side broke the deadlock.

Middlesbrough lost ground on the front runners as they were forced to settle for their eighth draw at the Riverside after a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

John Eustace scored in both halves as Watford beat Barnsley 2-1 at Vicarage Road, with Andy Gray's late strike a mere consolation for the visitors, while Jay Rodriguez scored his fifth goal in as many games to cancel out Paul Taylor's early strike as Burnley claimed a 1-1 draw against Peterborough at Turf Moor.

Doncaster Rovers' home clash against Reading was postponed due to a frozen pitch, while Portsmouth versus Hull City at Fratton Park also fell foul of the weather.

Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty has been found dead at his home. He was 54.

The club said Doughty was found in the gym at his Lincolnshire house.

"It is with enormous sadness that Nottingham Forest announce the death of the club's owner Nigel Doughty," a statement read. "Mr Doughty, who was 54, was found dead earlier today in his gym at his home in Skillington, Lincolnshire.

"The club would like to appeal for the privacy of Mr Doughty's family to be observed at this sad time.

"The club will be making no further comment."

Lifelong Forest fan Doughty stepped down as chairman in October after a decade in the job following the sacking of former England manager Steve McClaren.

He was replaced in the role by former Forest player and manager Frank Clark.

Doughty, who saved the Reds from administration when he bought the club for ?11 million in 1999, invested almost ?100 million of his personal fortune in the club.

As a Forest fan, his dream was to guide the club back into the Premier League. During his ten years at the City Ground, the club won promotion back to the Championship in 2008, three years after their relegation.

Under manager Billy Davies, the Reds reached the play-offs in each of the last two seasons.

Forest forward Matt Derbyshire said on Twitter: "I can't believe the sad news, my thoughts go out to his family."

Forward Garath McCleary praised Doughty for the work he did. "He has done so much for Forest, which was not always best appreciated," he said. "My thoughts are with his family."

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "I am shocked and saddened to hear of Nigel Doughty's death. I was with him only a week ago and he was full of life, enthusiasm and vigour.

"He was a kind, generous man with a deep desire to make the world a better place. My heart goes out to his wife Lucy and his children. We mourn his death deeply and will sorely miss him."

Doughty had led a Small Business Taskforce that made recommendations to Labour late last year which are to be considered as part of the party's policy-making process.

Sergio Aguero shrugged off recent signs of tiredness to turn in a man-of-the-match display as Manchester City defeated Fulham to open up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Aguero drove home his 19th goal of the season from the penalty spot, then set up strike partner Edin Dzeko with some unselfish work after half-time.

Between them, the pair have scored 35 times this season, making a mockery of recent assertions that the pair have difficulty operating in tandem.

And with Chris Baird turning Adam Johnson's cross into his own net, City were not hindered by the wintry conditions that even left the fans to chant for the end long before the five minutes' injury-time had been completed.

The old cliche of there being no easy games in the Premier League could have been made for a day like this.

In theory, 30 points clear of their visitors and boasting a 100% record on home soil this term, it should have been a straightforward assignment.

Yet significant questions were asked of City before kick-off.

In sub-zero temperatures and with snow getting increasingly heavy, the Blues were without skipper Vincent Kompany due to a knee injury, on a run of just three wins from their last nine games, and facing a team who had lost on just one of their eight visits to this stadium and battled back to draw at Craven Cottage in September despite being two goals down.

The evidence of the opening stages suggested it was going to be one of those difficult evenings, with Fulham intent on keeping their defences tight and relying on the predatory instincts of Clint Dempsey.

City needed a helping hand, and referee Mike Dean provided it.

Fooled completely by Johnson initiating contact with Baird inside the box, Dean pointed to the spot when a yellow card for the City man could easily have been the correct decision.

Aguero, five matches without a goal - his worst run since joining City - converted to the corner despite the returning Mark Schwarzer going the right way.

Fate had not finished for City.

For when Aguero flicked Aleksandar Kolarov's cross into the path of Johnson, Baird got in the way as the winger turned it back towards the danger area, giving Schwarzer no chance of keeping it out.

Now the damage was done, which meant it did not matter much that Schwarzer's lightning reactions prevented Philippe Senderos scoring a second own goal, nor that David Silva got a legitimate penalty after he had his legs taken away by City old boy Dickson Etuhu.

Aside from Damien Duff's angled drive, Fulham offered little and the game would have been over had it not been for the bravery of Brede Hangeland, who threw himself in the way of a goalbound Edin Dzeko strike.

The value of City's first-half efforts were not fully apparent until the second had reached its midway stage, with the snow becoming steadily heavier.

Twice Dean had to stop play for the lines to be swept, Senderos was booked for crashing into Kolarov with a tackle that owed something of its recklessness to the underfoot conditions, and neither side could get any flow into their game.

Baird had a free-kick gathered by Joe Hart, who has been mentioned in some quarters as a potential England skipper for Euro 2012 following John Terry's demotion.

With defending proving increasingly difficult, Aguero's nimble feet carried him into the area and past two half-hearted attempts at tackles.

It was a measure of the striker's awareness that instead of going for goal himself, he rolled the ball to an unmarked Dzeko, who finished with ease.

After a spate of disciplinary problems, City got away with one when Kolarov, about to be booked for hauling back Mousa Dembele, became engaged in a head-to-head duel with the Fulham man.

Dembele was booked but Kolarov escaped with a lecture in addition to the yellow card he would have received anyway.

The visitors hit the post when a cross-shot from substitute Bryan Ruiz flicked off Dzeko and then the woodwork before rolling to safety.

But the goalmouth action was over, the last notable moment coming when Mancini introduced transfer-window arrival David Pizarro for his debut in the final minute.

Guus Hiddink has been appointed the new manager of Anzhi Makhachkala.

Hiddink has been out of work since leaving Turkey, having lost to Croatia in a Euro 2012 qualification play-off last year. He had been linked with the vacancy at Chelsea, with the London Evening Standard reporting on Thursday that a number of Blues players were eager to see him return to Stamford Bridge.

England and PSV Eindhoven were also touted as possible destinations.

However, he has now agreed to join big-spending Russian club Anzhi on an 18-month contract, succeeding Yuri Krasnozhan, who resigned his position earlier this month before having taken charge of a single competitive game.

"At the end of last year we had long discussions with Anzhi and that's why I have now made a prompt decision," the former Russia boss told the club's official website. "I'm glad to accept such an opportunity, to work not only with the football team but also with my friends who invited me here.

"The most significant thing for me is that the club is building plans on football development in the republic. It's just as important as the sporting results of the first team, and I'm going to pay special attention to this direction.

"We spoke a lot with [club owner] Suleiman Kerimov about this, after which I understood what a huge project I was invited to. I know about the ambitions of the stockholder, the club, fans - now it's known to the whole world. I'll do my best so that the team's play will satisfy these ambitions."

Hiddink, 65, has appointed Ton du Chatinier and Zeljko Petrovic as his assistants. He will take charge of squad that includes Samuel Eto'o, Roberto Carlos and Yuri Zhirkov.

Didier Drogba has spoken out in defence of Andre Villas-Boas as the manager issued a warning his discontented Chelsea players.

Drogba's contract expires in the summer and, with no agreement yet reached, talk is gathering pace that he could be on his way in the summer.

Villas-Boas admitted during his press conference on Thursday that he had lost the backing of some of his squad but indicated that underperforming players may follow Nicolas Anelka and Alex out of the club in the summer.

"If the players want to be part of this club's future, they have to support the project with their performances," Villas-Boas said. "If some of them don't support me, that's normal.

"Two players have already left and there will be further departures in the future. Contacts will have to be addressed and changes will be made. We have to defend the Chelsea badge, because they don't pay us to be a failure and everybody understands the demands to be successful at this club.

"You don't contemplate rewarding people who under-perform in any football team and our objective now is to get the best possible position in the Premier League and continue to fight for two trophies. In the situation we are in, we have to demand we do a lot better. We really need some results to put us back on track."

Drogba, who has been accused of undermining managers at Chelsea in the past, insists he has every respect for Villas-Boas and that the players must take responsibility for the team's struggles.

"For me the manager's age is not an issue," he said in The Sun. "You have to respect his position and his authority.

"He came with his philosophy, which is playing a bit more football than the other managers. That's how he succeeded in Porto so he wanted to do the same at Chelsea.

"You know how it is when you come with a lot of ambition and it doesn't go the way you want - it's difficult. It's not easy for him but he's not the only one who is responsible. We all are.

"In football, everyone blames the manager first, which is difficult for him because he is on the sidelines when we are playing, but I guess that's football. It's difficult because we are trying to change the way we play and to adapt to his philosophy so that's maybe why it's taking time and we are struggling to be in the top two, but I don't think it's about the style the manager wants to bring to the team. It's about winning games."

He added in the Daily Telegraph: "He is trying to motivate the players. He is a good motivator. Training is good - it is not that different from what we were doing the previous season. He's ambitious; he wants to win, to succeed, to be successful in the Premier League.

"Talking in generally, not about Andre, a manager is the manager and he knows he's responsible for the wins and the defeats so he will be the one to be blamed first, but sometimes it's more complicated than that."

On his contract negotiations, he said: "We are still talking about it. Everybody knows I love the club, everyone knows I want to stay so we are discussing it and let's see what comes out of the discussions.

"I'm optimistic it can happen but at the same time if it doesn't happen that's life. But you will never change the respect and the love we created together. My heart is blue."

Porto have said they are "very surprised with the accusations" that their fans racially abused Mario Balotelli.

Manchester City have lodged an official complaint with UEFA after hearing monkey chants directed at Balotelli during the first half in their 2-1 victory in the Europa League on Thursday night.

UEFA is awaiting its match delegate's report before deciding whether to take action, but Porto spokesman Rui Cerqueira believes that the apparent abuse was down to a misunderstanding and that fans of both clubs were actually chanting "Kun, Kun, Kun; Hulk, Hulk, Hulk" in support of their players.

"What we can basically say is that nothing abnormal happened," Cerqueira said in the Daily Telegraph. "No one noticed anything strange, not even the UEFA delegates that worked closely with Porto during the match.

"We are very proud of having a multi-racial team, with players from all backgrounds and to have achieved many titles with respect. Porto players have never felt the slightest hint of racism and we were very surprised with the accusations."

Yaya Toure had said after the match that he had heard the chants.

''That's why we all like the Premier League, because it never happens there,'' he told Sky Sports News. ''Maybe in foreign countries they don't expect black players. I think in future it will be okay, they will change their minds and the game will become more open."

Steven Gerrard is convinced Liverpool can perform something of a repeat of their trophy-laden 2001 season now that Luis Suarez is back for the Merseyside club.

Eleven seasons ago Gerrard was a key part of a Liverpool squad that won the Carling Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup, in addition to qualifying for the Champions League.

This time they cannot win European honours, but the other three parts of the equation remain very much a possibility, with the Reds already in the Carling Cup final and into the fifth round of the FA Cup after knocking out Manchester United. Currently four points outside the top four, Champions League qualification is also there for the taking.

Suarez has missed nine games in total as the result of two separate FA punishments, but he is available for Liverpool's Monday collision with Tottenham. Skipper Gerrard, himself only recently back to regular first-team action, is excited at the prospect.

"Luis can help us achieve what we set out to achieve - finishing top four and reaching two finals," the England midfielder told BBC Sport.

"I'm sure he will because he's a super player. Luis has shown over the last 12 months that he's one of the best players in the world so we want these players available.

"He has been missed and the players are looking forward to welcoming him back."

Borussia Dortmund remain two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after Schalke and Borussia Monchengladbach were both held to draws on Saturday.

Bayern Munich battled from behind to claim a 1-1 draw at Hamburg.

Hamburg took the lead through former Chelsea man Jacopo Sala on 23 minutes, with Bayern getting their equaliser through substitute Ivica Olic with 20 minutes to play.

The draw leaves Bayern second in the table, level on points with Schalke, who were earlier held 1-1 at home by Mainz as a former Borussia Dortmund striker did his old club a favour.

Mohamed Zidan moved from Schalke's local rivals to Mainz on transfer deadline day and he put the visitors in front in the 15th minute, making a dream debut for Thomas Tuchel's side.

Chinedu Obasi's first goal for the Royal Blues earned them a share of the spoils, though, leaving them two points behind Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga table.

Monchengladbach's surge up the table was slowed by Wolfsburg, who became the first side in 2012 to take a point off Lucien Favre's side with a 0-0 draw at the VW-Arena.

Both sides had goals disallowed for offside while Marco Reus missed a glorious opportunity to give Gladbach their fourth straight win in the second half, but a draw was a fair result. The visitors are now fourth, a point behind Bayern and Schalke, while Wolfsburg remain in mid-table.

Stuttgart picked up their first point of 2012 to reduce the pressure on coach Bruno Labbadia and increase it on Bayer Leverkusen boss Robin Dutt following a 2-2 draw at the BayArena.

Stefan Kiessling put Leverkusen ahead in the 11th minute, but Julian Schieber levelled 12 minutes later. Leverkusen captain Simon Rolfes restored the hosts' lead just after the break from the penalty spot, but after they lost Michal Kadlec to a red card in the 63rd minute, they also lost their lead again in the 89th minute as Martin Harnik grabbed a point for Stuttgart.

The visitors also ended the game with ten men with Cristian Molinaro dismissed in stoppage time.

Hannover inflicted a third straight defeat on new Hertha Berlin coach Michael Skibbe as Mohammed Abdellaoue's goal earned them a 1-0 victory at the Olympiastadion.

Hertha dominated for long stages but could not find a way through as their miserable start to 2012 continued in front of their own fans, and Abdellaoue punished them with the winner goal in the 68th minute to lift Mirko Slomka's side closer to the top six with their second consecutive 1-0 win.

Hoffenheim's disappointing start to 2012 continued as they were held to a 2-2 home draw by relegation-threatened Augsburg, who moved off the foot of the table thanks to the point at the Rhein-Neckar Arena.

Sascha Molders put the away side in front after half an hour, but Peniel Mlapa levelled before the break. A Sejad Salihovic penalty then put Holger Stanislawski's side ahead early in the second half, but Augsburg hit back with Sebastian Langkamp levelling in the 72nd minute.

Paris St Germain maintained their three-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 and their 100% record under Carlo Ancelotti but were made to work hard by Evian for the second time this season.

The capital club fought back from 2-0 down to claim a point in the reverse fixture in September and again fell behind on Saturnday night to a Cedric Cambon goal on the stroke of half-time.

But PSG stormed back in the second period as Nene scored twice, the second from the penalty spot, and Kevin Gameiro wrapped up the 3-1 victory two minutes from the end of normal time.

Substitute Esmael Goncalves netted a late equaliser to deny in-form Ajaccio and earn bottom club Nice only their third away point of the season with a 1-1 draw.

Geoffrey Dernis struck lucky as Montpellier kept up the pressure on PSG. Dernis may not have known much about it but he scored the winner in the first half against Brest, as a volley from team-mate Remy Cabella struck him on the back and went past goalkeeper Steeve Elana.

Montpellier, second in the French top flight, remain three points behind the capital aristocrats. But if luck is to favour the underdogs, as it did in Saturday's 1-0 win, PSG might have cause to be worried.

Promoted Ajaccio looked on course to record a fifth successive Ligue 1 victory, having previously taken only four points from 12 games, thanks to Eduardo's 57th-minute penalty.

Goncalves had other ideas, though, and he popped up in the 85th minute to salvage his side a draw with a close-range finish following a defensive mix-up.

Bordeaux got back to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 home win over ten-man Toulouse.

The in-form hosts were held to a goalless draw at lowly Evian last weekend but were quickly on course for a fifth successive home win after Jussie netted in the first minute.

The points were then effectively wrapped up before half-time as Ludovic Obraniak added a second before Toulouse had Moussa Sissoko sent off.

Nancy and Rennes battled out a goalless draw at the Stade Marcel Picot in a match brought forward four hours due to adverse weather. The hosts created the better of the chances but were wasteful in front of goal and did not overly test Rennes keeper Benoit Costil.

Valenciennes claimed their first Ligue 1 away win of the season at the 12th attempt as first-half goals by Renaud Cohade and Gael Danic saw off Dijon 2-1.

The result took the visitors above Dijon in the table and meant the hosts, who scored a late consolation through Gregory Thil, have now won just one of their last seven league matches.

Lorient's game at St Etienne lasted just ten minutes before a frozen pitch forced the referee to call the players off. The match had already been brought forward four hours to a 1400 kick-off in a bid to beat the cold snap, but the icy conditions meant the match was postponed.

Rangers manager Ally McCoist has suffered yet another blow after the Scottish Premier League rejected their attempt to sign striker Daniel Cousin.

Rangers announced a deal had been done to sign free agent Cousin on Monday subject to international clearance, but they went into administration 24 hours later, triggering restrictions on registering players with the SPL.

McCoist said he hoped to play Cousin against Kilmarnock but his plan was dashed by an SPL decision.

A statement read: ''The SPL was at 3.26pm today presented with a contract between Daniel Cousin and Rangers FC dated 17 February 2012, signed by the player and by Paul Clark, the joint administrator of The Rangers Football Club plc (in Administration).

''In terms of SPL rule A6.20, the consent of the board of the SPL was required for the registration of the player with the SPL. The board of the SPL declined to give that consent.

''Accordingly the player is not registered with the SPL and is not eligible to play in SPL matches. Rangers FC have the right to appeal this decision to the judicial panel of the Scottish FA.''

The Rangers manager said earlier: ''Daniel Cousin is shellshocked at the moment, like the rest of us.

''At this moment in time he is in the squad for tomorrow and still has an opportunity of getting the signing through. I'm still very hopeful we can get through the bits of red tape.

''The players still want Daniel to come, we still want Daniel to come and the support want Daniel to come. Most importantly, Daniel still wants to be involved here.''

The relevant section of the SPL rules reads: ''A club that has taken, suffered or has been subject to an insolvency event or events shall not be entitled or permitted to register any player with the League and the League shall not register such a player in terms of section D of the rules until such insolvency event or events shall no longer continue or subsist.''